Behind the Scenes at LINE-X

A whole lot goes into the development and creation of work truck products and accessories. From ideation to completion, the process can be lengthy. 

LINE-X shared some behind-the-scenes info all about how its protective bedliner was developed. 

The LINE-X XS-100, otherwise known as the LINE-X spray-on bedliner, is a polyurea hybrid elastomeric coating esteemed for being the most durable and reliable aftermarket coating in the industry.

Developed in the late 1980s, the original LINE-X formula revolutionized spray-on coatings and, despite some tweaks made over the years to keep the liner at the top of its game, continues to be the basis of LINE-X’s chemistry today.

In 2007, the LINE-X spray-on coating experienced an evolution in its use when the LINE-X production team realized the coating could serve in a variety of purposes far beyond a traditional bedliner. Now, you can find LINE-X protective coatings in military equipment, theme park rides, bowling balls or even the shoes on your feet.

In 2018, the spray-on coating was improved upon even further with significant increases to its tear resistance and moisture insensitivity, making it the highest quality formula for a bedliner, according to LINE-X Research.

LINE-X’s ISO 17025 accredited in-house lab and team of chemists are constantly innovating to improve upon the LINE-X formula and have come up with some incredible uses for the coating.

From start to finish, the whole process of formula improvement takes approximately two years, but the wait is worth it when the final product goes above and beyond to enhance performance, increase value, and prevent damage or corrosion to your vehicle.

1. Research

The team of chemists determine what they want to improve about the formula and brainstorm to come to a consensus for how they want to adjust the chemistry. Then, they determine which raw materials they want to use to create certain properties in the formula.

2. Development

The chemists use specified testing equipment to measure strength, abrasion and impact resistance. Then, they measure the formula’s sprayability by making bigger batches and applying any modifications necessary.

3. Beta Testing

When the lab is finished developing their improved formula, a pilot batch is sent to various LINE-X franchise owners who then spray the material on trucks to be tested in all environments to see how it handles different climates. 

If everything goes well, the liner moves to commercialization.

4. Procurement of Materials

The lab buys hundreds of millions of pounds of raw materials a year that they get from suppliers and put in storage tanks to blend. LINE-X starts out as a liquid that is made up of two parts: resin and isocyanate. The proper ratio and blending of these two materials makes the perfect spray coating.

5. Commercialization

The new and improved LINE-X formula is distributed all across the country to more than 549 franchise locations from which it will be used to spray and further protect LINE-X customers' vehicles.

Year over year LINE-X has seen 7-12% increase in volume sold. As long as trucks are on the road, LINE-X will be there to protect and preserve.

About the Author: Terry Pe is the SVP of product development for LINE-X Protective Coatings. He is responsible for managing the day-to-day responsibilities of new product development, chemical production, product testing and cultivating new business relationships with chemical suppliers. This article was authored and edited according to WT editorial standards and style to provide useful information to our readers. Opinions expressed may not reflect that of WT.